Japanese Polychrome Ivory Netsuke
Daikoku
Holding Mallet
Signature: unsigned. Circa: early-mid 1900S'
h. 1.5 in.(4cm), w. 1.4 in.(4cm), d. 1 in.(2.5cm)
Condition: no himotoshi, o.a. excellent

An exquisite eye for beautifully painted detail distinguishes this netsuke size ivory okimono. This is a depiction of the popular god Daikoku. Daikoku is the patron of wealth and farmers, the bestower of a cornucopia of abundance overflowing with the staples of life that is symbolized in his magical mallet. When Daikoku shakes his mallet material abundance rains and reigns.

Sold to Private Collection

This okimono is carved from a lustrous elephant ivory that is smooth to the touch. Daikoku’s face is wide and open and upon close inspection exhibits exceptional detail: The painted eyes are smiling and expressive, the minute teeth are perfectly formed, each one distinctly carved. His ears are elongated and plump as befits such a deity. His hands are rounded but carved with a realistic sensitivity. It is a true feast for the eyes to examine the painted scrimshaw of this okimono. The artist has finely carved perfectly rendered textile details composed of minute hairlines that have then been precisely painted in metallic gold, silver, cinnabar red, forest green and dove gray. Expressive golden wood grain lines mark Daikoku’s mallet. His multi-layered kimono exhibits multiple traditional textile motifs. (SD)